PCB chief asks players to remain focused on World Twenty20

LAHORE - Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar M Khan has said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the PCB were in constant contact and hoped that the security assurance would be given to Pakistan team for participation in the World T20 Cup.

Shahryar told the players to remain focused on the game. He also said that the current situation was similar to the conditions in 1999 when the team went on a tour of India and came back victorious.

Addressing the national team here at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) on Thursday, the PCB chief briefed the players on the security situation in India and said: “The PCB and ICC are maintaining coordination and the necessary information pertaining to the security situation will be furnished to the interior ministry of Pakistan government for their further directions in this regard.”

The PCB chairman appraised the team that the decision to visit India would be taken by the government. “In case, the government allows travel to India, then the team should have to focus on the game and demonstrate a high level of discipline and commitment,” he added.

Shaharyar backed the players to do well on and off the field, as they were the ambassadors of the country. He urged them not to disappoint the nation who has great expectation from them.

On this occasion, team manager Intikhab Alam thanked the PCB chairman for the confidence he showed upon the players. He reassured that there would be no compromise on the discipline and the players were looking forward to perform and fulfill the expectations of public back home. “Even though Pakistan team is in the strong group compromising Australia, New Zealand, host India and a qualifying team, it will give them courage to perform well in the World T20,” Intikhad added.